Recently, India has experienced a rise in cyber scams, leading to substantial financial losses for victims. A new threat has emerged: scams exploiting WhatsApp video call screen-sharing features.
This article highlights this deceptive scheme and offers crucial tips to protect yourself.
Understanding the WhatsApp Video Call Features Scams
Scammers exploit tactics such as impersonating others, creating false urgency, or offering help with phone issues to persuade users to grant real-time access to their phone screens.
Once screen sharing begins, scammers can view everything on the user’s screen, including sensitive information like one-time passwords (OTPs) for bank accounts and social media.
With this data, scammers can empty bank accounts, lock users out of social media by changing passwords, or install malware for ongoing tracking.
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The Silent Danger: No Active Input Required
What makes this scam particularly dangerous is its low requirement for active user engagement.
A single click to enable screen sharing—often done for legitimate reasons—grants scammers unrestricted access to sensitive data.
This stolen information then becomes a tool for various criminal activities, including financial theft and other forms of cyber abuse.
Protecting Yourself: Key Tips
Exercise Caution with Unknown Calls: Be cautious with voice or video calls from unfamiliar WhatsApp numbers. Avoid answering calls from unknown contacts and verify the caller’s identity before proceeding if you have any doubts.
Guard Your Confidential Information: Never share OTPs, credit/debit card details, or CVVs, even if the requests appear legitimate. Remain vigilant against potential scams.
Safeguard Passwords: Keep your passwords confidential. Do not disclose them to anyone, even if they claim to be from official organizations.
Mindful Screen Sharing: When sharing your screen during video calls, ensure only relevant files are visible. Avoid displaying apps like messages or notepads that contain sensitive information, such as passwords.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are WhatsApp video call features scams?
WhatsApp video call features scams involve fraudsters using screen sharing during video calls to gain unauthorized access to personal information on your device. They may impersonate trusted contacts or create a sense of urgency to manipulate you into enabling screen sharing.
How do scammers use screen sharing to access my information?
Once screen sharing is activated, scammers can view everything displayed on your screen, including sensitive data like OTPs, passwords, and personal messages. This allows them to collect information for financial theft or other malicious activities.
What signs indicate that a call might be a scam?
Signs of a scam call include an unfamiliar contact number, high-pressure tactics, requests for personal or financial information, or suspicious behavior from the caller. Be cautious if the caller creates a sense of urgency or offers unsolicited assistance.
Can I prevent these scams from happening?
While you cannot eliminate the risk of scams, you can significantly reduce it by following best practices, such as being cautious with unknown calls, protecting your personal information, and staying informed about common scam tactics.
Conclusion
WhatsApp video call feature scams pose a significant threat by exploiting screen sharing to gain access to sensitive information. Scammers use tactics like impersonation and creating false urgency to trick users into granting access.
To protect yourself, exercise caution with unknown calls, safeguard your personal information, and be mindful of what you share during video calls. By staying vigilant and following these precautionary measures, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to these deceptive schemes and keep your digital life secure.
